William "Bill" N. Skirnick
June 12, 2011
The Lord called Bill’s name on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at his home in Windsor Heights.
Bill was born in Chicago on January 14, 1940 to Stella and Andrew Skirnick. After high school, he entered the US Air Force and was stationed in Japan. Upon returning home, he began work with Amoco Oil where he spent his entire 44 year career. At Amoco, he met Nancy, the love of his life. They were married on July 3, 1971. In 1974, they were transferred to Des Moines. Bill was a graduate of Drake University. He and Nancy raised two wonderful children, Brad and Amy. Bill was extremely proud of his family.
Bill was an active member of Meredith Drive Reformed Church. He faithfully served as elder and as a member of the choir. He attended CrossTrainers each Wednesday morning where he loved the fellowship and received much inspiration. Bill also volunteered at Iowa Methodist Hospital. He loved to laugh, sing, dance, travel, read, do puzzles in the newspaper and enjoyed great times with family and friends over dinner.
Those left to cherish his memory are Nancy, his wife of 40 years; his son, Brad (Lindsey) and grandson, Joshua of Woodbury, MN; his daughter, Amy of Clive; a brother, Robert (Maria) of New York; a sister, Nancy (John) Nonnweiler of Sheboygan, WI; many nieces and nephews; and a great community of family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. The funeral will be on Thursday, June 16 at 10 a.m. at Meredith Drive Reformed Church, 5128 Meredith Drive. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorials be made to Meredith Drive Reformed Church. Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Russ Ratkay
06/20/2011
I was sorry to hear about Bill's passing. My wife Karon Ratkay (deceased) liked and worked with Bill in Des Moines. I worked with Bill in Des Moines on ocassion and he was always upbeat and helpful. Great guy to work with. I always enjoyed talking with him. MY condolances to you Nancy I know how hard it is to lose a mate that is so close. I lost Karon 11 yrs ago and still haven't recorvered comletely. I wish you the best of luck. We have to depend to GOD at these times to help us cope.
Russ-Tulsa, OK
Rich & Nancy Smith
06/18/2011
Dear Nancy, Brad, and Amy,
Just wanted to send you a note to tell you what a beautiful funeral service you planned to celebrate Bill's life. It totally wrapped up everything about Bill and all of you in such a classy way. What a wonderful way to be remembered. None of us, no matter what the age, are ever ready to lose someone we love. Our faith can be a rock, but it still hurts so bad at times. But Bill's service just reminded all of us to think about our families and what we have to look forward to when we leave this earth. Went out to Resthaven today and talked with my Dad, and he has been gone for 10 years. My folks are my heavenly angels, and Bill will be yours.
It was fun to think about Brad and Amy and Senior High and the fun we had over the years on trips, and the good old days at MDRC when we were alot smaller and had so many good times together, potlucks, retreats, etc.
Your friends and family will give you all the strength you need, and God will wrap his arms around you daily and never let you go.
In His love and ours, Nancy and Rich
Shelley Millis
06/17/2011
Nancy, Brad and Amy --
My sincerest condolences with Bill/your dad's passing. I have to chuckle a bit because it has always been Mr. Skirnick, not Bill.
I can't pretend to know what you are feeling or the multitude of activities going on, but know that you are in my thoughts from afar.
Shelley
Ann Stout
06/16/2011
I was privielegd to work with Bill at Amoco in Des Moines. He was a man of grace, kindness, integrity and warmth. I am saddened by his passing and extend my sympathy and prayers to his family. Bill's gentleness and gentlemanliness was unmatched. I am honored to have called him my friend.
Dave and Joyce Sikkema
06/15/2011
Nancy and family: We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Bill. It is a time of great sorrow and loss for each of you. We have fond and cherished memories of our relationship with Bill and each of you. You have been in our prayers since hearing of Bill's sudden death. We also put you on our church prayerline as we covet God's presence, care, love and provision for you and your needs at this time of earthly loss. We celebrate Bill's faith and relationship with God through Jesus Christ and know that he is in heaven with his Savior. May Holy Spirit bring to each of you that which you need in this time of sorrow. With Care, Dave and Joyce
Steven Davis
06/15/2011
My heart goes out to the Skirnick family for their loss and I hope that the process of healing is as quick as Bill's heart was big. As a child I played with Brad and always was welcomed with a smile by Bill and the family whenever I was at their home. He was a fine man and his kindness will live forever in the hearts of those that knew him.
Kristin Desnoyers
06/15/2011
Dear Nancy, Brad and Amy - My heart aches of the loss of your husband and father, what a great, great, great man. We have the best memories of him from our wedding, and my parent's surprise 40th. Always a smile on his face and asked how "we were doing." Please know we are holding you all close to our hearts. "How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
Our deepest condolences,
The Desnoyers Family
Ben, Krissy (Peppmuller), Charlie and Kate
Marie Doyle
06/15/2011
Nancy, Amy and Brad,
Words cannot express how sad I was to hear the news of Bill's death. I can only imagine how difficult this has been for all of you. I'll always remember Bill's cheerfulness and the great conversions we had when we carpooled to work while Katie and Amy were in high school. We had talked and laughed about the girls and their friends and he taught me alot about how to manage my work team. I hope your memories of great times will help you now and forever.
Liz (Malloy) Burton
06/14/2011
Nancy, Brad and Amy-
I was saddened to hear the news. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May Bill enjoy eternal life with his Father in heaven. I will miss seeing him at holiday gatherings and talking to him at church. Your family is in my prayers. Liz
Laura Stebbins
06/14/2011
Amy-
My heart goes out to you and your mom and family. I'm so sorry that your dad was taken too soon and know how hard it is to lose such an important part of your life. Having him as your dad made you who you are today so he will always, always be a part of your life. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Laura
Bill Pedrick
06/14/2011
A few months ago Debbie and I came to choir at MDRC for the first time. Bill was one of the very first people to personally welcome me. Our names were the same so we didn't have any problem remembering each other!!! I will miss his infectious smile and welcoming spirit. We know he is having a great time with our Lord and Savior. Our sympathies to the family during this time of grief and loss. Sorry we cannot attend the visitation or service as we are heading out of town tomorrow for a week. God bless all of the family and our wonderful Church home during this period. He will be missed.
Terri Nichols
06/14/2011
I was saddened to hear that Bill passed away. I worked with Bill for many years at Amoco and always enjoyed talking with him. I ran into him at Hy Vee last week and we wonderful visit as we caught up on our families, jobs and life in general. He said he and Nancy were crazy about their Grandson, Joshua, and had a sparkle in his eye just talking about him. Blessings to your family and know that all of you meant the world to him.
Bev DePenning
06/14/2011
Dear Nancy, Brad & Amy:
Jaren and I Loved visiting and being with you and Bill. You both always had smiles for everyone. Enjoyed seeing you in church and visiting with you. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. Sending you are sincere sympathy.
Jaren & Bev.
Ann Moeller
06/14/2011
Amy, our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family on the death of your dad. You have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. I hope your happy memories will help to sustain you during the months and years ahead and that you will cherish those good times and honor the memory of your dad by speaking of him often. He rests in the loving arms of God and we wish all of you God's peace.
Blessings,
Leslie and Ann Moeller and family
Mike & Betty Buitenwerf
06/13/2011
Nancy and family,
We have such fond memories of Bill and our visits with your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn Bill's passing. He is now with the Lord. God bless your family.